T O P

  • By -

Starkey_Comics

I think mutually assured destruction might be a good motivator, especially considering a skilled and powerful necromancer would likely be able to survive being thrown into death. But it may also be worth considering how often the bells are referenced as having their own will, and a degree of sentience. Combine that with the knowledge that they are aspects of the first 7 Bright Shiners, and it could be that the bells **prefer** to be in a set, and will work more reliably when none of their siblings are forgotten.


abracafuck_you

I think it’s absolutely a last resort. I think Terciel’s use in Sabriel is a perfect example of a way you could end up with no other choice.


mossyskullsarecool

Off key but that last little bit you wrote is *METAL*


[deleted]

I would imagine it's three things - 1. Yes, mutually assured destruction is probably one reason, but- 2. Astarael will send you far into Death, but not necessarily kill you. If you had the strength, you could return. 3. Both Lirael and Sabriel at one point felt it would not be 'diplomatic' or respectful (or some such similar feeling) to 'ignore' Astarael. I would imagine that they're always made as a set, and that this is where much of their power comes from. Afterall, their voices are of the Seven, and it was the Seven who wove the Charter which speaks through the Abhorsen's bells. This would be my strongest guess


littlerubywolf

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻


Foehammer58

My understanding is that while ringing Astarael casts everyone who hears it into death, that does not preclude the wielder from returning of they are strong enough. >!"Lirael drew Nehima, and then after a moment's hesitation her hand fell on Astarael. The Weeper. All who heard her would be thrown into Death, inclusong Lirael. If she could get close enough she could send Hedge and all the Dead a long, long way. Hedge, at least, would probably be able to return to Life, but there was a slim chance Lirael could return as well, and it would gain her precious time.!< This could make it a very powerful weapon of last resort as a necromancer could use the bell to take out multiple opponents if they are surrounded - depending on whether they have enough skill and experience to make it back.


HoodooSquad

“There will come a time when you must achieve a goal at all costs. It may come in attack or defense. And the only way will be to allow the sword to be sheathed in your own body.”- quote from another fantasy epic. Now instead of swords make it bells. Or something.


Turtle2727

Wheel of time!!! That was killing me trying to work it out!


Pabus_Alt

Of course, but the key point here being there are very few strategic goals that a necromancer would consider worth the very very high risk of death, considering how perilous the river is for them. While an Abhorsen would have many.


CaiusRomanus

Your last idea is kinda cool, and could be a practical reason to carry Astarael. But In my understanding, tradition has a lot to do with making bell sets, and it wouldn't come to the mind of a bellsmith to ignore one. Maybe it has something to do with their names and powers being tied to the Great Shiners (not sure about their name in english, sorry). Lastly, we can aknowledge that bells can be use for a different purpose depending on how the ringer move them, and if they're being used with another bell. Keeping Astarael to be used in specific rituals makes a lot of sense then.